How I found out about this book: I picked up Sisters Red almost as soon as it came out last year and it had me practically kicking and punching invisble wolves as I read. I recommended it to my excitable and kickass friend KimberlyBuggie, who also agreed to write a guest post. I got the ARC at ALA and can't wait to get it back from her so I can read it, too! I'll be holding a contest for the ARC when I'm done... one winner will get it (sorry, US only--I'm postage poor) and the rest of you will have to wait until August! :(

Honestly, I was skeptical. I mean, I love fairy tales. I like twisted new versions of fairy tales and all that, but one of my least favorite stories is of Hansel and Gretel. So I thought... Really? I mean, how good could this really be?

The answer is ....

friggin good!!

I had to read it slowly and carefully, savoring every line. Samuel. Ansel. Gretchen and Sophia. So bittersweet, like a chocolate cookie you get from your mom after you get hurt. All the characters are richly complex, especially Gretchen, who suffers from both her need to start over and belong and to her pull to the past and desire to stand out.

And the witch. The witch. The witch is scary. The witch is real!

Pearce has actually warmed me up to the story of Hansel and Gretel. Her spin on this fairy tale is more satisfying than the original for me. It's the kind of sweet that doesn't make your teeth hurt, but leaves you feeling rich and full.

Comments? What do you think? Is this something you would read? If you've already read it, put in your two cents... (no spoilers, please!)